Sugar beet negotiations progressing, says NFU
Category: Policy
(Farmers Guardian) – THE NFU has sent out a letter telling beet growers negotiations with British Sugar are ‘showing signs of progress’. The positive signs come after months of tense negotiations between the NFU and British Sugar.
The letter from sugar vice chairman Robert Law said: “After many weeks the current negotiations with British Sugar are showing signs of progress toward a possible agreement for the beet to be sown in spring next year.
“While the more positive tone of these discussions is welcome, an important note of caution is needed as we do not yet have a final deal on the table to which we could sign up.”
I’m always mindful that the climate in negotiations can change in a moment. However we feel that discussions are focusing on areas which may allow an agreement to be reached.
The letter also discussed Mr Law’s own harvest, and he said the contrast in yield between wheat sown after beet and wheat sown after oilseed rape showed why a price increase was needed for growers.
Mr Law said: “I can assure you that with this support all of us involved in the NFU Sugar team remain determined to achieve an improved offer which properly ensures that risks from growing beet are reflected in the price we are paid as growers.”
The NFU is also set to launch a survey next week to allow growers to record experiences of yield impacts from growing beet.
